Most local people would agree that the former Second National Bank building on the corner of Second and Main streets is one of the handsomest structures in downtown Vincennes. The name Second National Bank can still be seen inscribed high on the building’s façade, as well as on the Second Street side. Some might be surprised to learn that the bank was only located in that building for a few years.

The Second National Bank came to be housed on that corner, as the result of a series of tragic events. The Vincennes National Bank, organized in 1865, was originally located at that site. In 1892, Wilson M. Tyler was serving as bank president, a position he had held since 1881. On the morning of July 5, of that year, Tyler drove his horse and buggy to the City Cemetery (now Greenlawn Cemetery) and visited the grave of his daughter, Alice, who died in 1888. At the grave, the 56-year-old Tyler shot himself with a 38-caliber revolver. While Tyler’s suicide shocked the community, just a short time later, the bank he headed was found to be insolvent, having suffered massive losses, and was placed into receivership.